RICH MAN POOR MAN
Book 2

Year: 1976
UK DVD Release: Universal Playback
Cast: Peter Strauss, Nick Nolte, Susan Blakely, Edward Asner, Dennis Dugan, Gloria Grahame, Dick Butkus, Mike Evans, Dorothy McGuire, Robert Reed, Frank Aletter, John Furlong, Ray Milland, Talia Shire, Van Johnson, Colleen Camp, Gregg Henry
Directors: Bill Bixby, Lou Antonio
Country: USA
Running Time: 17 hours 18 mins approx
UK DVD Certificate: 12
UK DVD Release Date: 18 June 2007

Review

After the enormous success of the original RICH MAN, POOR MAN mini-series, the came the highly anticipated second series, RICH MAN POOR MAN BOOK II.

Book II, tells the story of Rudy Jordache (Peter Strauss) and his family. Continuing with the 'Kane and Abel' theme, Rudy - a successful businessman turned U.S senator - shows a more human side to his character, having lost his brother at the end of the first series. He takes it upon himself to care for his murdered brother's son, Wesley (Gregg Henry) who, not being financially blessed, has the tendency to fall in with the wrong crowd.

Tackling every issue you'd hope to find in a melodrama, RICH MAN POOR MAN BOOK II, originally aired between 1976-1977, and was nominated for two Emmy Awards. It followed in the footsteps of series one, that originally won over eight awards and received 24 nominations. Book II is widely celebrated for its impeccable acting, especially Peter Strauss, who plays an ageing and tired Senator who has gained and lost much throughout life.

Personally I found that I enjoyed this second 'volume' of the TV show even more than the first. Whether this is simply because I was by this time more familiar with the characters or because it really was a better season I don't know but one things for sure it really was a truly compulsive series, so much so that immediately after the show originally aired I remember seeing people reading the book whilst commuting on the train!

Now of course you can just watch all 22 episodes in the 6 disc DVD box set.

DVD EXTRAS

Available Subtitles: English SDH
Available Audio Tracks: 2.0 Mono